The city of High Point may close a half-mile section of Montlieu Avenue to public traffic next year to clear the way for a major expansion of High Point University.

High Point City Council, in a 7-2 vote, decided at its meeting late Monday afternoon to move ahead with plans to close the segment of Montlieu from College Drive to Centennial Street. The road, which carries between 4,500 and 5,000 vehicles a day based on city transportation estimates, would close to motorists by the summer of next year if the plan is approved.

City Manager Strib Boynton said the closing of Montlieu would allow HPU to secure land for the expansion of its new health sciences and pharmacy school.

HPU President Nido Qubein has hinted that the university might develop the school, which could involve an investment up to $100 million, in a neighboring city such as Greensboro if HPU can’t secure land in High Point. HPU Chief of Staff Chris Dudley attended the council meeting Monday during the discussion about Montlieu but didn’t address the mayor and councilmembers during the meeting.

The City Council would hold a public hearing on the closure of the section of Montlieu before the end of February, said Councilwoman Becky Smothers. During the public hearing process, HPU will present details on the campus improvements that would take place as part of the Montlieu street closure bordering the university, Smothers said.

The memorandum of understanding between the city and HPU on the Montlieu closing passed 7-2, with Councilmen Foster Douglas and Jeff Golden dissenting. Douglas said that closing the section of Montlieu between College and Centennial will create major inconveniences for people in adjoining neighborhoods and motorists who rely on Montlieu for commuting.

If the plan moves forward, Montlieu would close to public traffic after July 31, 2014.

"The city will cooperate with HPU to rezone property that HPU owns south of Montlieu Avenue in such a manner as to allow HPU to build educational buildings and other facilities," according to the memorandum.

In another matter related to HPU’s expansion, the City Council granted the university a right-of-way encroachment for campus development along E. Farriss Avenue. The agreement will allow HPU to erect a fence, signs and a welcome center in the right-of-way and city-owned land along the southern section of Farriss next to the campus. Farriss will remain open to all vehicular traffic.